Menopause and heart palpitations
Out of all the symptoms of menopause, heart palpitations or an elevated heart rate can feel the most frightening. Sometimes these symptoms are associated with hot flashes, although they can happen at other times too. Read on to find out more about causes, treatments, and when you should think about seeing a healthcare provider.
PALPITATIONS DEFINITION
You are not usually aware of your heart beating but may begin to feel it in certain circumstances. Menopause heart palpitations can feel like your heart is pounding or beating faster than usual.
Palpitations can happen for a range of reasons and are often harmless. You may need to see your healthcare provider to rule out any serious causes.
See what treatments are right for you
HOW LIKELY ARE MENOPAUSE PALPITATIONS?
- These symptoms are common
- One study found that between 20-40% experience menopause palpitations
Read more about the stages of menopause.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY
Stop smoking
Reduce alcohol
Exercise regularly and keep your weight in healthy ranges
Healthy diet – low in saturated fat and sugar, high in fiber, fruit, and vegetables.
Find out more about weight gain and anxiety in our symptoms library
HOW CAN YOU MINIMIZE MENOPAUSE PALPITATIONS?
1. Increase exercise. Aim for 75 minutes of intensive or 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. You may want to avoid intensive exercise if this worsens symptoms – always check with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise regime.
2. Get enough sleep. Set regular bed and wake times.
3. Avoid triggers. Reduce nicotine, caffeine, spicy food, and alcohol.
4. Manage your stress levels. Try mindfulness or yoga.
5. Avoid Illegal drugs. It may seem obvious but avoid them.
6. See your healthcare provider if your palpitations do not settle. They may advise further tests including a blood pressure check or blood tests for cholesterol and blood sugar.
Would hormone therapy (HT) help?
Some find that HT helps to reduce their palpitations. HT is also useful in treating menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, mood changes and sleep disturbance, among others.
HT is not suitable for everyone. If you would like to find out more about your personal treatment options, speak to your healthcare provider.
Read more about HT risks and benefits.
PALPITATIONS AND MENOPAUSE FAQs
- Thumping
- Fluttering
- Pounding sensation in the chest
- ‘Missed’ or irregular beats
- Increased heart rate
The ‘female’ hormone estrogen has many different effects on your body, some of which can be beneficial for your heart and circulatory system.
These include protecting against coronary artery disease and helping to control cholesterol levels.
During menopause, your ovaries begin to produce less estrogen. It is thought that this reduced level of estrogen can lead to palpitations, although the exact mechanism is still unclear.
Palpitations or an increased heart rate can also be caused by several reasons or different conditions, such as:
- Vigorous exercise
- Feeling stressed
- Stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine
- Dehydration
- Low blood sugar
- Illness, such as a fever
- Some medicines
It can also be caused by heart disease and thyroid problems.
Palpitations are usually harmless but can be dangerous in some circumstances.
You should seek urgent help if you are having palpitations with:
- A shortness of breath
- Tightness or pain in your chest
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Feeling lightheaded frequently or passing out
- You have a history of heart problems or are worried
Palpitations that last for more than a few minutes, which start while you are exercising, or which are associated with a fast heart rate of over 100, should also be checked out urgently.
Also, see your healthcare provider if:
- Your palpitations are recurrent or last a long time
- You have a history of heart problems, thyroid problems, anemia or any other medical condition which you think may be related
- Your palpitations become disruptive or upsetting
- You are concerned for any other reason
I’ve been really focusing on my exercise and it’s helped keep my weight under control.”
